91´«Ã½

CHICAGO – Arts and crafts have always been staples of children’s activities at the library. Now, with the growing interest in do-it-yourself projects and crafting in popular culture, libraries are reaching out to crafty library users of all ages.

On Fridays throughout the summer, the Dighton (Mass.) Public Library hosts Open Craft Day as part of its Go Green @ your library summer reading program. Participants work on craft projects with special emphasis on reusing items. Projects have included turning CD jewel cases into aquariums, creating collages from old books and making natural lip balm.

Bennington (Neb.) Public Library recently launched a new multigenerational crochet/knit @ your library program that is open to anyone interested in learning and sharing knitting and crocheting techniques. The library provides yarn, knitting needles and crochet hooks.

Libraries looking for a way to be crafty and philanthropic can look to the library in Armidale, New South Wales, Australia, and its recent Knit In @ your library program. Library users knit squares for wraps, donating them to a locally-based charity that sends them to communities in need around the globe.

Adults looking to refresh their quilting skills are encouraged to Learn to Quilt @ your library at the Cliffdale Regional Branch Library in Fayetteville, N.C. Participants worked in step-by-step format over the summer and will complete a quilt at the conclusion of the class.

The Campaign for America’s Libraries () is the 91´«Ã½’s (91´«Ã½) public awareness campaign that promotes the value of libraries and librarians. Thousands of libraries of all types – across the country and around the globe - use the Campaign’s @ your library® brand. The Campaign is made possible by 91´«Ã½’s Library Champions, corporations and foundations.